Maffeo, 20, is on a season-long loan at newly-promoted Girona, who are also owned by the City Football Group.

The Spaniard made 27 appearances for Girona last season as they secured promotion to LaLiga for the first time in their history and Maffeo was quizzed by five-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi during Saturday's clash at Estadi Municipal de Montilivi.

"He [Messi] asked me a couple of things, like if I was loaned by City and how old I was," Maffeo said.